Stop Line - Meaning

What does a stop line on the road mean?

A stop line is a wide, solid white line that runs perpendicular to the road at intersections, indicating where vehicles must halt in accordance with a regulatory STOP sign, traffic signal, or other traffic control device.
Stop lines are strategically positioned to provide adequate sight distance at intersections, creating a safe stopping point before entering a crosswalk or intersection area.

• At intersections without a marked crosswalk, a wide white line indicates the stop line.
• At intersections with marked crosswalks, a thicker stop line serves as a limit line before the crosswalk, ensuring pedestrians have a safe space to cross.
• On some private properties, like parking lots or commercial centers, the word “STOP” may be also painted on the pavement to mark stopping points, sometimes even without a physical stop sign or traffic signal.

TIP: Studying for your DMV test? Check out our list of road signs and their meanings

Stop Line - What To Do

A stop line painted across the pavement near an intersection marks the designated stopping point if a red light, stop sign, or other control device requires you to stop.

When you encounter a stop line on the road:

• come to a complete stop at the solid white stop line, rather than at the stop sign or signal itself, to avoid blocking the intersection
• do not roll past the stop line to get a better view, as this could put other road users and yourself in danger